The effect of multi-component program on knowledge and engagement in promoting safety of hospitalized children among family caregivers in public hospitals, Thailand: a quasi-experimental study

Background: Family caregivers’ role in promoting safety for hospitalized children is an important issue in the area of safety improvement. There are limited studies related to the innovative programs. Aim: This study aimed to investigate effects of the multi-component program family caregiver’s knowledge and engagement in promoting safety. Method: A quasi-experimental study was performed on 160 female family caregivers in two pediatric wards of two public hospitals, Thailand, in 2019. Participants were recruited with consecutive sampling into two groups of intervention (n=80) and control (n =80). The program   was developed based on standardized guidelines of child patient safety. Participants were provided by education and training. Knowledge and engagement were measured by validated questionnaires. The ANCOVA was conducted to assess effects of the program. Results: Family caregivers have more knowledge, such as noticing something wrong, and checking nurse’s medication administration. Engagement in promoting safety was enhanced in each domain. Mean and standard deviation of engaging advocate to ask was 4.61±0.26, report and response was 4.48±0.19, and dimension monitoring was 4.76±0.25. After adjusting the length of stay, the post-test score of knowledge and engagement had statistically significant differences between the groups (P < 0.001). Implication for Practice: The LPTVS program can enhance family caregiver’s ability to take responsibility for children. The findings indicated possible roles of safety behaviors that family caregiver can perform during the childcare process. Healthcare providers should consider this program as a part of promoting child safety in hospital settings.